RESEARCH AND OPINION

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Monitoring maternal mental health

In honour of Maternal Mental Health Week, we take a look at some of the biggest concerns, raising awareness of common signs, and how to offer support to your families

Mental health talk has become a prominent aspect of everyday life in the past decade or so. Much has been done to de-stigmatise mental health conditions or concerns, with the focus instead on raising their profile for wider awareness and understanding. Yet, one area of mental health that requires more focus is that of maternal mental health.

Mental health problems during and after pregnancy are common. Some women have a previous mental health condition that can be exacerbated by pregnancy or having a baby; for others, they may experience a mental health problem for the very first time.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), maternal mental health problems are globally deemed “a major public health challenge”. Not only is this a concern due to the life-limiting effects it can have on parents, but because it can also have adverse effects on babies and toddlers as they grow. This is because they tend to be highly attuned to their environments, noticing even the most subtle change in atmosphere and quality of care.

In fact, the WHO states:

“ Prolonged or severe mental illness hampers the mother-infant attachment, breastfeeding and infant care. 

10% of pregnant people, and 13% of post-partum people, experience a mental health issue worldwide, primarily depression

As such, looking out for and helping support families – particularly mothers – in each stage of the perinatal journey is essential.

With Maternal Mental Health Week taking place 29 April to 5 May 2024, we thought we’d take a look at the causes of maternal mental health concerns, how to spot struggling parents at your setting, and how you can offer support in your role.

1in 5 experience a perinatal mental health problem

What can lead to maternal mental health problems?

■ history of mental health concerns

■ domestic abuse

■ lack of support

■ childhood trauma or difficulties

■ financial concerns/insecure housing

■ trauma, including birth trauma

Spotting the signs

Each of us is different and, though there are a number of common symptoms between different mental health conditions, it’s important to treat each parent like an individual – the biggest sign something is amiss is any noticeable change in attitude, behaviour or demeanour in either the adults or their children.

Adults

■ Tearful/signs of recent crying (red face, puffy eyelids, sniffling)

■ Frequent short temper, irritable

■ Listless, lacking enthusiasm

■ Sudden weight loss/gain

■ Pattern changes – i.e. late for drop-off/pick-up when usually on time

■ Change in adult dropping off/collecting

■ Poor concentration

■ Frequently ill/in poor health

■ Distracted in conversation

Children (in addition to above)

■ Clingy/possessive over adults, friends and toys/games

■ Clothing dirtier than normal, unkempt looking (hair, teeth, feet, fingernails)

■ Overtired – yawning, tearful, easily distracted

■ Significant appetite changes 

■ Play more aggressive or isolate selves 

■ Loss of confidence

■ Being upset at pick-up time/not wanting to go home

Suicide is the leading cause of maternal death
within the first postnatal year

Way settings can support

■ Integrate regular community sessions for parents and families to drop in over a couple of hours – not only will it help integrate children in their wider communities, but it could be the social lifeline that an expectant or postnatal mother needs.

■ Approach parents privately to check in on them regularly – particularly if you know a baby is on the way or the family has recently had a new arrival. Sometimes, just five minutes’ chat with someone to offload, cry or vent can be really helpful!

■ Have posters and leaflets aimed at supporting maternal mental health easily accessible – shame is often a big factor in people not seeking support, so discreet placement is helpful for those struggling.

■ Ask families/affected parents if there’s anything that the setting can do to alleviate pressure, reassure or support.

70% will hide or downplay mental
health issues from loved ones

Encourage parents to support as helpers/ volunteers, as this can be a good way of lifting mood, helping them to feel purposeful.

Now more than ever, in a world that’s so full, busy and overwhelming, it’s important to look out for our own and one another’s mental health.

Whether it’s offering a five-minute chat when someone looks anxious or stressed, signposting them to vital services, or just giving a smile when others look down, we can all do our part to uplift and help each other.

Being Together, My Baby and Me is a free, online, five-week programme especially designed for families with babies.

This online programme, funded by the Department for Education, combines advice on babies’ learning and development with post-natal support for new parents.

There are five sessions, each an hour long, looking at a different topic with lots of opportunities to share and learn as we discuss our thoughts and chat about our experiences together.

Check available dates and book your space here: bit.ly/My-baby-and-me

Accessing additional support: